Samoa entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. Fly into Faleolo International Airport (APW) and handle the paperwork at immigration. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival at Faleolo Airport (APW) or the ferry terminal. Pay in cash — USD or Samoan Tala — around $20–$30 USD equivalent. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready at the visa counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines at check-in will enforce this — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Samoa within your visa validity. Budget airlines flying into Apia are strict about checking this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Samoa ready. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look underprepared they may request proof. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're flying from Ghana or have recently been in a country with yellow fever, you must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Samoa enforces this strictly — no certificate means possible quarantine or denial of entry.
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring US dollars or Samoan tālā in small denominations. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer processes your visa on the spot. Payment is in cash (Samoan tālā or US dollars) — exact change helps. The fee is around 100 WST (about $35 USD).
3
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're free to go. The visa is usually valid for up to 30 days, but confirm the exact duration with the officer.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Standard entry for tourism; no extension allowed.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival for business purposes)
Must provide invitation letter from Samoan company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no visa fee for Ghana passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Samoa
No transit visa needed
Ghana passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Ghana is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider if traveling to rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Apia
Samoa Immigration Office
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries; extensions not available for visa-on-arrival.
Practical information for GH travellers
Country basics
CapitalApia
LanguageSamoan, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencySamoan tālā (WST)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.69 WST
Time zone
Local timeUTC+13
vs New York+18h
vs Los Angeles+21h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I (Australian/New Zealand plug with two flat pins and an earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is about 100 Samoan tālā (WST), roughly $35 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are accepted but bring small bills for exact change.
Typically up to 30 days. The officer confirms the exact duration when stamping your passport. For longer stays, ask about extensions at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia.
Yes. Visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (near government buildings). The process takes a few days and costs around 200 WST. Start early to avoid overstaying.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Airlines check this before you fly, and immigration in Samoa will ask for proof. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Samoa requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Ghana is on that list, so carry your certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
No. Samoa does not offer an e-visa for Ghanaian passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism.
You will be refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.